Colombian 5G plan intends to surf pandemic and starts pilot phase

Mintic's initiative was published in December and it is assured it will not be altered by the health emergency. During the first trimester the procedure for technical tests in trials and experiments was defined. Before March 2021, the analysis of the incentive schemes that promote the use of 5G will be ready, and an appropriation strategy will be designed in the country's productive sectors.

The MinTIC published in December 2019 the final 5G Plan and reported on the opening of the call to develop the first pilot tests in the regions of the country. During the first quarter of 2020, the procedure was defined to carry out technical tests in trials, pilot tests, experiments, demonstrations or functional validations on radio devices and telecommunication networks, to validate the functionality and future commercial offer of 5G networks. According to the ministry, plans regarding 5G will not be delayed by the impact of the pandemic in the country. In fact, the (now former) Minister Sylvia Constaín presented to Congress on April 22, virtually, the programs and decrees issued to guarantee communications at the juncture of the Emergency.

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The Electronic Frontier Foundation carried out, together with the local NGO Tidec, the report "Who defends your data", which highlights preservation standards of private information of each company. Tigo obtained the best results, exceeding 50% satisfaction, while the state-owned Copaco and Vox showed the worst performance.

The need to expand guardbands reduces the 400 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band available to operators nationwide. The reformulation will take the contest to 2021.

Mintic's initiative was published in December and it is assured it will not be altered by the health emergency. During the first trimester the procedure for technical tests in trials and experiments was defined. Before March 2021, the analysis of the incentive schemes that promote the use of 5G will be ready, and an appropriation strategy will be designed in the country's productive sectors.